Renault announces plans to expand electric vehicle range

MEDIA RELEASE

7 August 2018

On the eve of New Zealand’s biggest electric vehicle convention, Renault New Zealand has confirmed plans to expand its range of its electric vehicles (EV).

Renault New Zealand General Manager, Henry Belt says the company will be at the EV World event and announces plans to expand its range of EVs from its current offerings: the Kangoo van and the Zoe compact car – to include the durable and practical Master van range.

“The interest in electric vehicles has been phenomenal, and we’re looking forward to talking to people about our current EVs and what Renault NZ have coming in the next few years,” he said.

The Kangoo Maxi Z.E. 33 EV makes its NZ public debut at EV World. One of the few smaller vans available in New Zealand with pure EV drivetrains, it is aimed at businesses looking to go electric with a styling edge that helps them stand out from the crowd.

The electric Kangoo retains all the clever load space design and functionality of its petrol and diesel equivalents, with a new motor and larger battery giving it a real-world range of up to 200 km on a single charge. Dual sliding doors, a revolving passenger bulkhead and lay-flat passenger seat all make the most of the Kangoo’s load space, allowing items up to 2.9 metres long to be carried.

The Renault Zoe’s is one of Europe’s best-selling EVs, and is making electric vehicle technology affordable for young families and empty nesters alike. The new Zoe Z.E. 40 Intens model has a 41 kW/hr battery giving a range of up to 300 km, 22 kW on-board charger and features regenerative braking, heat-pump style reverse air conditioning and Michelin ‘Energy’ tyres that maximise range by reducing rolling resistance.

Moreover, Renault New Zealand General Manager, Henry Belt also invites businesses and companies with a need for a medium-large load or people carrier to consider the Master Z.E van, which is expected in 2019.

The 2019 Master Z.E will feature a new motor and battery and an increased payload with 8-13 cubic metres of load space.

“For people in the market for a van with electric power in this size, Master will certainly be worth waiting for. Our message would be ‘come talk to use at the show’ and if you can hold off till 2019, the benefit will be obvious,” he said.

At the show, Renault will also display its Twizy quadricycle, a small EV with a focus on fun. Twizy is a personal mobility ‘statement’ vehicle, intended to show what is possible in the EV market.

All Renault EVs use the ‘type 2’ charging handle, which is becoming the industry standard.

“Our national head office team fully supports the Renault dealer network, providing training and information for sales and service of electric vehicles at our dealerships,” he said.

Total New Zealand EV vehicle numbers are heading for 10,000, rising from a base of 1,600 just two years ago. Half of those vehicles are used in the Auckland region. Renault’s expansion of its presence in the EV vehicle market aims to meet increasing demand for EVs and is supported by specialist trained staff at its Mount Wellington head office.

“We have seen a massive growth in the market for EVs and it’s a new and exciting direction for all manufacturers – our team at EV World is very much looking forward to meeting prospective new customers and showing our current vehicle range,” said Mr Belt.

For more information, please contact:

Henry Belt General Manager, Renault New Zealand +64 27 448 7030

Renault New Zealand electric vehicle models currently available

Version Engine Transmission Price

Zoe Z.E 40 LR Electric RG/FWD $68,990

Kangoo L2H1 Maxi Electric RG/FWD $74,990

Kangoo L2H1 Maxi Electric RG/FWD $77,990

Renault New Zealand

Renault is part of the world’s biggest global alliance of automotive brands. The company was established in France in 1898 and now offers a range of award-winning models. The Captur small SUV has been best seller in its class since launch in 2013 and has garnered numerous awards. Locally, the Trafic Van was named Van of the Year in Light Commercial Vehicle magazine 2017; the larger Renault Master Van was Driven magazine’s Van of the Year 2017.

Renault has a proud heritage in motorsport that is apparent in the sporting influences evident in its modern vehicles. The company is a multiple Formula One champion, has long been a rally winner at World Championship level and dominated touring car racing in Europe and the UK.